Buying property as the market bounces back after its lull can be challenging, especially for first-timers who’ve not experienced the pressures of sealing a deal.
If you have a pre-approved loan, your lender will often set a 12-week deadline before you need to apply again.
These buyer guidelines will help you respond quickly to an opportunity so you beat the clock.
Be prepared
Research is a critical element of a property search. Check out neighbourhoods and target properties, and be confident you know what you want before seeking loan pre-approval. Once granted, you’ll respond to opportunities with greater confidence.
Keep conditions
Make an offer conditional on final mortgage approval and the obligatory building and pest inspections. The majority of other interested buyers will be in your position. Do not yield your conditions on an offer.
Teamwork
Line up a solicitor and conveyancer so your legal team is ready once you’ve gained loan pre-approval. Don’t waste time searching for these services once the clock starts ticking.
Quick response
Don’t delay organising building and pest inspections. These can usually be done within a week of making an offer.
Cooling off
Buyers have a cooling-off period. You want those obligatory inspections conducted before your cooling-off period expires.
Be upfront
There’s no harm in working with the seller’s agent. An agent will facilitate a sale but won’t play favourites with buyers because they work for the seller. Nevertheless, being honest about your intentions will be appreciated.
Always negotiate
Don’t divulge your spending limit as this is a solid negotiation principle. If you remain interested in a property, ask the agent to keep you in the loop.
Turn on the charm
Always be engaging and friendly. Even if one property doesn’t do it for you, perhaps the agent has others that are more suitable. In a tight, fast-moving market, you work every angle to your advantage.